Galatians 3:20

KJV

Now a mediator is not [a mediator] of one, but God is one.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} a mediator {G3316} is {G2076} not {G3756} a mediator of one {G1520}, but {G1161} God {G2316} is {G2076} one {G1520}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now a mediator implies more than one, but God is one.

Berean Standard Bible

A mediator is unnecessary, however, for only one party; but God is one.

American Standard Version

Now a mediator is not a mediator of one; but God is one.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 3:20 is a pivotal, albeit complex, verse within Paul's argument contrasting the Mosaic Law with God's unconditional promise to Abraham. Paul asserts that a mediator, by definition, implies two distinct parties, each with terms and conditions, whereas God, the giver of the Abrahamic promise, acts as a singular, unified entity. This declaration underscores the unilateral, unconditional nature of God's promise, setting it apart from the bilateral, conditional covenant of the Law mediated through Moses, thereby establishing the promise as foundational and superior for salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Galatians 3:20 is situated at the climax of Paul's intricate theological argument concerning the relationship between the Abrahamic promise and the Mosaic Law. In the preceding verses, Paul has established that the Law, which came 430 years after the promise, could not nullify God's prior, unbreakable covenant with Abraham, which was based on faith, not works ([Galatians 3:17-18](/galatians/3-17-18 "Galatians 3:17-17 - The Law Does Not Annul the Promise")). He then poses a rhetorical question in [Galatians 3:19](/galatians/3-19 "Galatians 3:19 - The Purpose of the Law"), asking why the Law was given at all if it didn't annul the promise, answering that it was "added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator." Verse 20 immediately follows, providing a crucial clarification about the nature of this "mediator" and, by extension, the Law itself, contrasting it sharply with the singular nature of God and His promise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of a "mediator" (Greek: *mesitēs*) was well-understood in the ancient world, referring to an intermediary who facilitates agreements, reconciles disputes, or conveys terms between two distinct parties. In the Jewish tradition, Moses famously served as the mediator between God and Israel at Mount Sinai, where the Law was given ([Exodus 20:19-21](/exodus/20-19-21 "Exodus 20:19-21 - Moses as Mediator at Sinai")). This event, central to Israel's identity, involved a covenant with specific stipulations and obligations for both God and His people. Paul's audience, steeped in this tradition, would immediately grasp the implications of a mediated covenant as one involving conditions and mutual responsibilities. By emphasizing that "God is one," Paul also invokes the foundational monotheistic confession of Israel, the *Shema* ([Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema, God is One")), reinforcing God's singular nature and absolute sovereignty, which contrasts with any multi-party agreement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Galatians. Firstly, it deepens the **contrast between Law and Promise**, highlighting that the Law, given through a mediator, implies a conditional, bilateral agreement, whereas the promise to Abraham was a direct, unconditional, unilateral act of God. Secondly, it underscores the **unity and singularity of God**, emphasizing His unchanging character and the singular source of His grace, which is not subject to negotiation or human performance. This theme of God's oneness supports the idea that His promise is eternally secure and independent of human merit. Finally, the verse subtly points towards the **sufficiency of Christ** as the ultimate "seed" to whom the promise was made ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ")), implying that the Law's temporary, mediated role has been superseded by the direct, unmediated access to God through faith in Christ, who is the one true Mediator of a better covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mediator (Greek, _mesítēs'_):** From the provided Strong's data, this term means "a go-between, i.e. (simply) an internunciator, or (by implication) a reconciler (intercessor)." In the context of the Law, Moses served as this intermediary, standing between God and the people of Israel to convey the terms of the covenant. The presence of a mediator inherently implies at least two distinct parties who are not in direct, unified agreement, necessitating an intermediary to bridge a gap or facilitate an interaction.
* **one (Greek, _heîs'_):** This primary numeral signifies "one," emphasizing singularity, unity, or uniqueness. When applied to God ("God is one"), it powerfully declares His absolute oneness, indivisibility, and singular purpose. This stands in stark contrast to the concept of a mediator, which requires two or more distinct entities. God's "oneness" here implies His self-sufficiency and the unilateral nature of His promise, which does not require a second party's agreement or a mediator to be established.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now a mediator is not a mediator of one,"**: This clause establishes the fundamental nature of a mediator. By definition, a mediator functions between *two or more* parties. If there were only "one" party, there would be no need for an intermediary; the single party would act directly and unilaterally. Paul's point is that the very existence of a mediator for the Law (Moses) indicates that the Law involved two distinct parties (God and Israel), implying conditions and obligations for both sides. This bilateral nature of the Law contrasts sharply with the Abrahamic promise.
* **"but God is one."**: This declarative statement asserts God's absolute unity and singularity. Unlike the Law, which required a mediator because it involved two parties, God's promise to Abraham was a direct, unilateral act stemming from His singular, unchanging character and purpose. This oneness implies that God is not one of two parties in a negotiation regarding the promise; rather, He is the sole, sovereign initiator and guarantor of the promise, acting independently of any other party's conditions or performance. His promise is therefore unconditional and secure, rooted in His own faithful nature.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Contrast** as a primary literary device in Galatians 3:20, setting the nature of a mediator against the nature of God. The phrase "a mediator is not a mediator of one" immediately establishes a concept of duality or multiplicity, which is then starkly contrasted with the declaration "but God is one," emphasizing singularity. This juxtaposition highlights the fundamental difference between the Mosaic Law, which required a mediator and thus implied a conditional, bilateral agreement, and the Abrahamic promise, which originated from a singular, unified God and was therefore unconditional and unilateral. Furthermore, the verse functions as a concise **Aphorism**, a pithy statement of a general truth, distilling a complex theological argument into a memorable and impactful declaration about the nature of divine covenants.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 3:20 profoundly impacts our understanding of God's covenantal faithfulness and the distinct roles of Law and Grace. By asserting God's absolute oneness and contrasting it with the nature of a mediator, Paul underscores that God's foundational promise to Abraham was an act of pure, unilateral grace, independent of human performance or a two-sided agreement. This promise, rooted in God's unchanging character, stands as the secure basis of salvation. The Law, while holy and good, served a different, temporary purpose, revealing sin and guiding Israel, but it could not provide salvation because it was a mediated covenant, implying conditions that humanity could not perfectly meet. This distinction is crucial for understanding that salvation has always been, and remains, by God's grace through faith, not by works of the Law.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: God is One")
* [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin, Not Righteousness")
* [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 3:20 offers profound comfort and clarity to believers. The declaration "God is one" reminds us of His unchanging nature, His singular purpose, and His absolute faithfulness. This means that His promises, particularly the promise of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, are utterly reliable because they depend entirely on His character, not on our fluctuating obedience or performance. We are freed from the burden of trying to earn salvation through perfect adherence to a law, understanding that our standing before God is secured by His unilateral, unconditional grace. This truth should lead us to greater trust in God's sovereign plan and to deeper gratitude for the direct access we have to Him through Christ, rather than through a mediated system. It calls us to rest in the finished work of Christ and to live out of the overflow of His grace, rather than striving under the weight of legalistic demands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "oneness" impact your trust in His promises, especially concerning your salvation?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to live as if your relationship with God is a "mediated" agreement based on your performance, rather than a direct relationship based on His grace?**
* **How does the distinction between the Law and the Promise, as highlighted in this verse, shape your understanding of Christian freedom and responsibility?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Paul saying "a mediator is not a mediator of one"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the fundamental nature of a mediator. A mediator, by definition, implies the existence of at least two distinct parties who need an intermediary to facilitate an agreement, reconcile, or convey terms. If there were only one party involved, that party would act directly and unilaterally, rendering a mediator unnecessary. Paul uses this point to contrast the Mosaic Law, which was "ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator" ([Galatians 3:19](/galatians/3-19 "Galatians 3:19 - The Purpose of the Law")), with God's promise to Abraham. The Law, being mediated, implies a conditional covenant between two parties (God and Israel), with mutual obligations. This sets it apart from the Abrahamic promise, which was a direct, unconditional act of God.

**How does "but God is one" relate to the overall argument of Galatians?**

Answer: The declaration "but God is one" is a profound theological statement that serves as the bedrock of Paul's argument for the superiority and foundational nature of the Abrahamic promise over the Mosaic Law. It echoes the foundational monotheistic confession of Israel, the *Shema* ([Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema, God is One")), emphasizing God's absolute unity, singularity, and unchanging character. Because God is one, His promise to Abraham was a unilateral act of His grace, not contingent on a second party's performance or a mediated agreement. This means the promise is eternally secure and depends solely on God's faithfulness. In contrast, the Law, being mediated, implied conditions that humanity could not perfectly fulfill, thus revealing sin and pointing to the need for a different way of righteousness. Paul's point is that salvation is by God's singular, unconditional grace, not by human effort under a mediated law.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 3:20, with its profound declaration that "God is one" and its implications for the nature of mediation, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus. While the Law was given through a mediator (Moses), implying a conditional covenant between two parties, God's promise to Abraham was unilateral, rooted in His singular, unchanging nature. This distinction foreshadows the new covenant established through Christ. Jesus is not merely a mediator in the sense of one who stands between two estranged parties to negotiate terms; rather, He is the *one* through whom God's singular purpose of salvation is perfectly fulfilled. As the "seed" to whom the promise was made ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ")), Jesus embodies God's direct, unconditional grace. He is the ultimate and perfect Mediator of a new and better covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")), not because God is divided or needs negotiation, but because humanity was alienated by sin. Through Christ, God's singular will for salvation is enacted, providing direct access to Him and fulfilling the promise made to Abraham by faith ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). In Jesus, the "oneness" of God's redemptive plan is fully realized, offering a direct, unmediated relationship for all who believe, secured by His finished work on the cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 2:5

For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Deuteronomy 6:4

¶ Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God [is] one LORD:

Hebrews 8:6

¶ But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

Hebrews 9:15

¶ And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Job 9:33

Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, [that] might lay his hand upon us both.

Romans 3:29

[Is he] the God of the Jews only? [is he] not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

Romans 3:30

Seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.